According to German-based manufacturer of anilox rollers, Zecher GmbH, regular deep-cleaning of operational anilox rollers is of crucial importance when it comes to high-quality printing. However, it added, conventional procedures remove only part of accumulated residues. The copmany’s new LaserEcoclean laser cleaning system further expands the portfolio of cleaning services offered by Zecher. Unlike conventional deep-cleaning methods, LaserEcoClean’s innovative laser cleaning gently eliminates all ink and varnish residues. “Microscopic imaging reveals that the inner recesses of the cells on cleaned rollers are barely distinguishable from those of a brand-new roller,” said Jörg Rohde, Head of Applications Technology at Zecher GmbH. “After the cleaning process, the pick-up volume of the anilox roller can once again be used to its full extent, and printers benefit from the same uniform inking performance as before.”
Users can also be sure of the reliability of laser cleaning’s effect on the surface of the roller, which remains entirely unharmed by the cleaning process. “As a relatively low-power laser beam is used, the temperature of the ceramic surface is well below the material’s melting point, which prevents any damage to the outside of the anilox roller,” Rohde added. The company went on to say that laser cleaning is enjoying growing popularity, thanks to both optimized printing performance and the eco-friendly nature of the process itself – which involves no consumables, hazardous waste or harmful chemicals. “As this innovative cleaning option meets the increasingly stringent environmental requirements of the printing industry, its role is expected to become more and more significant.”
Zecher GmbH is an international manufacturer of chrome and ceramic anilox rollers with over 65 years’ experience. Zecher produces more than 12,000 engraved anilox rollers annually at its main plant in the German town of Paderborn.
Zecher expands portfolio with new laser cleaning system for rollers
